When it comes to barbecue with the element of surprise, Bryan's Black Mountain Barbecue in Cave Creek is bringing it on via pig -- a chalkboard pig.

Starting today, those looking for something different -- very different -- in the way of chef Bryan Dooley's regular menu of top-notch 'cue (including meats like pulled pork, smoky brisket, and pork ribs) need only to gaze upon the black, swine-shaped writing board on the friendly restaurant's wall.

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Each month, the chalkboard pig at Bryan's will feature an off-menu, signature barbecue item created by chef Dooley.

For July, it's a root beer-braised pig's ear and fried green tomato sandwich topped with pickled slaw (pictured on the previous page). And since Dooley will be closing his restaurant the last week of July and first week of August, the sandwich ($8.95 with the choice of a side) will run until September.

"You spend so much time trying to figure out what people are going to like, but every once in a while, you want to throw something out there that is a little more challenging but still really tasty," says Dooley. "We can put something out there for those people who are looking for a different experience and love Bryan's BBQ."